Mara Cortez

Mara Cortez actively creates as a Filipino-Canadian artist, muralist, as well as ethnic worker who is based in Vancouver, BC, with a strong mission to use art as a stimulus for healing, connection, in addition to storytelling. Since 2022, Mara has actively gained a large amount of experience in public art, community engagement, as well as public placemaking. Her energetic, and meaningful murals truly transform public spaces, inviting hubs for connection and dialogue. Youth, migrants and underserved communities are being deeply empowered by Mara through the provision of platforms for original expression. Many workshops have been led by her, including Baybayin script as well as painting sessions, which encourage participants to explore their heritage through art.